Friends become family

My association with Sarup Padam goes back to January 17, 1969. Our parents had previously known each other since 1946 and I got the opportunity to meet and stay with him two days before my wedding. During those two days, I learned that we both started our education at the same school in Bhawani Garh city. On my wedding day of January 19, 1969 my Barat left for the Sikh Temple from Sarup’s residence as if it was my father’s house. Since then, he became a Fatherly figure to me. With his guidance and support I found job in the same company where he worked.

Whenever I missed my family in India and felt depressed, Sarup provided me with support and raised my morale. He encouraged me to buy a house and he paid the entire down payment. Even my own relatives would not have done that. We became more than friends and both our families enjoyed each other’s company by travelling, hiking, playing tennis and badminton and lots of other activities for many years. We will miss him very much. Whenever I am alone, I do think about the time spent with him over the years and will continue to do so.  - Manjit Bhango